Bale will stay if we reach top four, states Villas-Boas

Andre Villas-Boas is confident that Gareth Bale will remain with Tottenham if they can secure a spot in next season's UEFA Champions League.

The Welshman has enjoyed a stunning campaign at White Hart Lane, netting 23 goals in 39 appearances, while also flourishing in a more central role under the Portuguese.

His match-winning displays have seen Manchester United and Real Madrid's interest piqued in the 23-year-old, who signed a lucrative four-year deal with the London club in June 2012.

Spurs have dealt with both clubs in recent years, selling Dimitar Berbatov to United in 2008 for 30 million pounds, the Liga champions parted with a fee in the region of 33 million pounds to sign Luka Modric earlier this season.

When asked if a top-four finish would secure Bale's future, Villas-Boas said: "I think so. That's the information that I have from the club. It has come from the club.

"The club is committed to keeping the best assets. That's the only way that we can ensure that we are in the top four every year.

"Gareth is part of that project bearing in mind that he has been amazing this season. Hopefully, we can develop him to a greater extent. We get the buzz from working with great players and Gareth has developed into a great player, so I couldn't be happier.

"Gareth has had a major development this year. He has played in so many positions and has had such a big impact in those positions."

Bale made a huge impact in Spurs' last Champions League campaign in the 2010-11 season, scoring a stunning hat-trick against Inter in a 4-3 at San Siro before turning in a man-of-the-match performance as the London club beat the then-European Champions 3-1 at White Hart Lane.

Bale picked up the PFA Player of the Year Award at the end of that season and is once again nominated this year, with his name among the favourites to pick up the gong.

"We are happy that he has been nominated [for the PFA award] and we would be even happier if he was to win," Villas-Boas added.

"Although the recognition is individual, the team have helped him to have this wonderful year and they would feel good for Gareth. They are an excellent group and everything they have spoken about Gareth is with respect."